Paws for Christmas, page 9
“Jess, you could never wear out your welcome,” Trey said. Sarah left briefly and returned with a small cardboard box. “I’m sending these cupcakes home with you. I hope you’ll enjoy them.”
“Thank you. I love chocolate cupcakes. Well, anything chocolate and they’re so festive,” I responded as she filled my take home box.
As soon as she left, Trey took my hand and wouldn’t let go. I had to remind him. “Trey, we really have to go. They have to take tests and then there’s that meatloaf dinner.”
He rubbed fake tears from his eyes. “I’ll miss you two every minute until tomorrow. Come here boy, let me give you another hug.” Trey slapped his legs and Sam understood that meant to jump up and lick him. He then turned to me as I grabbed Sam’s leash. “I hope you don’t find me too bold, but this afternoon felt like our first date. I mean even though we’re in a rehab center.”
I paused. “Funny you should say that. It felt like one to me as well.”
Trey had a devilish look in his eyes. He stood and with the help of his walker came over to me. He grabbed me by my waist and pulled me in to him for a sweet kiss.
Even though his kiss surprised me, I wondered if he had any idea how much I loved it. When our lips parted, I wanted him to know so I kissed him back! Oh, well, what did I have to lose? When in Rome…
I looked into his gorgeous blue eyes as he still held me in his arms and asked. “Are you ready for another goodnight kiss?” Before I could answer, he pressed his lips against mine before running his soft kisses down to the base of my neck. Chills ran up my spine. I wanted more. He sensed that and caressed me as we stood there in our own romantic coma. Then came the fireworks, he gave me the most romantic goodnight kiss I’ve ever had. He deepened the kiss and we held that kiss for a long while until someone entering the room interrupted our passion. It was a quite surprised lab attendant. He cleared his throat, I guess as a signal to stop.
“It’s time for bloodwork. Miss, if you’d like to come back afterwards, there is a guest lounge with coffee and cookies past the front desk. Now all human and animal guests must leave the room so I can do this.”
We took the hint. I picked up my cupcake box, grabbed Sam’s leash, and blew Trey a kiss. “We’ll talk later. I’ll let you know what happens with the contest. Be good.”
“Always,” he quipped, “how can I not be?”
I smiled. “See you tomorrow. This has been a magical afternoon for me.”
“It has for me too, my lovely lady. See you then. Bye buddy.”
I could tell by the lab tech’s expression he was relieved we were finally leaving so he could finish Trey’s tests. Sam stopped short in the doorway and looked back at Trey wagging his tail. I gave his leash a tug and I left for Eddie’s Tacos a lot more smitten.
Sam and I were already too late to try and get home in time for the judging. With traffic and my stop at Eddie’s, we’ll be lucky to make it home by six thirty. I was happy Trey felt better and comfortable with his new surroundings.
I’d better not dawdle too long about calling in my order else we’ll be even later. “Hi. Jessica Munroe, here. I’d like to pick up six tacos and three steak fajita dinners. I’ll be by in about thirty minutes.”
Eddie, who had a distinct accent responded, “No problem, Señorita Jess. Everything will be ready. Hey, I heard you have a new dog. A big one. That’s great. Everyone knows how much you miss Mazy.”
Wow! Local gossip must have already substituted Sam’s arrival for my change in lipstick shades. Those island ladies sure stay busy updating information. I had to tell him. “Eddie, he’s not mine. I’m taking care of him for his owner who’s in the hospital.”
Order confirmed, we drove through holiday traffic straight to Eddie’s. I drove into the drive-thru. A server handed my bag to me via the take-out window.
“Is that a dog or a horse?” she asked. I smiled. “Sam is a dog. Thank you.”
I took my bag and left before more curious staffers came to the window to check Sam out. My watch read six fifteen.
I drove behind slow holiday light onlookers to the south end of the island. The entire island was lit with holiday cheer. Almost every house we passed was decorated and glowing. When I turned down my side street, I looked up to see the sky lit like an alien vehicle had just landed. Could that be my house? Sam saw it as well and barked. We passed three houses with normal holiday displays before I heard loud Christmas music. Turning into my driveway, I needed sunglasses and ear plugs, but sitting in the midst of this LED winter wonderland made me feel like a kid again. I’m sure Terry and Rich were happy that I left them alone. I looked around. They added to the already over decorated display. Even so, I can’t help but love them and what they did for me. Besides the music, they had color wheels projecting designs of snowflakes across the front of my house and a giant inflatable flamingo wearing a Santa hat sat positioned in the center of my small yard. Where did they find the extra room amidst all these lights? And where and when did they get that flamingo?
They must have seen my headlights approach because they ran out of my house to my car. “Jess, you’re late. It’s almost seven but no bother. How do you like the new stuff? Come, get out, and walk around.”
I wanted to take a closer look because these two wonderful guys did all this for me to make my holiday open house extra special. Surrounded by all the sparkling decorations, I felt like the ghost of Christmas present had just paid me a visit. I grabbed Sam’s leash, handed Terry my bag from Eddie’s and my cupcakes, and walked Sam by the road to do his business before wafting back mesmerized by that maze of beautiful decorations.
“This is so beautiful. The pink and white lights are soft yet cheerful. Thank you for doing all this even if we don’t win.”
Rich answered as Terry brought our dinner inside. “Oh, but surprise. I just found out a couple of minutes ago that we did win. A few minutes after seven, a judge called my cell which I left as our contact number on the application and said they had never seen a light show like ours in all their years of judging. They went on to say congratulations. You won!”
Oh, my gosh! I couldn’t believe it. I jumped up and down in excitement; Sam followed my lead. After we all calmed down, I gave Rich a hug and Sam gave his face a lick. Rich laughed, “Okay, let’s eat before Eddie’s magic gets cold.”
“Right.” I replied as Sam and I went into the kitchen. Terry had set the table, poured some wine, and filled Sam’s dishes. I had to give Terry a hug as well. I told him. “I can’t believe we won. I feel like a snow princess in Florida of course.”
Terry held my chair for me making me feel like royalty adding “You are our snow princess in Florida. Now your highness, let’s have our royal feast and celebrate our victory.”
We filled our plates and chowed down. “There’s just one more surprise,” Terry added. “You will be awarded a trophy.”
I gushed. “A trophy? I’ve never won a trophy before. I thought they were reserved for cool people.”
“Well, to be a snow princess, you have to be cool. So much so our local news photographer called and wants to photograph you holding your trophy in front of town hall at nine tomorrow morning. He wants to make deadline for the Christmas issue of The Island News. After which, he said the town will host a ceremony awarding the trophies.”
“Wow. That’s great. I can be there and maybe Sam can come with me.”
I laughed, excited by the entire evening. Sam loved the sounds of my happiness.
“I can’t wait to tell Trey.”
Rich was happy to ask, “Now’s who’s ready for dessert? Cherries à la mode.”
Of course we all were. An incredible dessert for an incredible evening.
Chapter 11
The very first thing I did after returning from the town hall ceremony was to call Trey. “Hey,” he answered. “How’s my gorgeous trophy winner?”
“You can’t believe how happy I am at this moment. I can’t wait for Christmas. I invited Terry and Rich to come with me to the trophy ceremony since they did the lion’s share of the work, but they refused to take a photo with me for the paper. They said, ‘You and Sam are much cuter.’”
Trey chuckled. “You sounded pretty hyped last night when you told me you won, but I’m happy to say, this morning you sound even more so.”
“I am so very happy. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. The Town Hall allows well behaved pets so Sam came with us. The outside of the hall was decorated with silver and gold garlands. Three small artificial Christmas trees decorated with gift cards donated by our local merchants were placed on the trophy table outside for the ceremony.
“I met with the news photographer earlier at nine and he photographed me holding my beautiful trophy with Sam next to me of course. My trophy had a tall red and white metal candy cane attached to a wooden base where my brass name plate will go.”
I took a deep breath. “There was one large tree and two smaller ones. The mayor started the ceremony by wishing all attendees a happy holiday and a huge thank you to all who participated in this event. Santa then came on stage to announce the winners. He announced my house as the first place winner and the mayor handed me my trophy, a paper proclamation, and the biggest tree loaded with gift cards. I could barely hold everything.
“Rich came running up to grab my tree and proclamation before I dropped them. That was so much fun! Sam remained by my side and was so good, Santa gave him a pet. Cameras clicked before the mayor announced the two runners-up. I felt guilty being up there alone with Sam because I wanted Rich and Terry by my side. A reporter from the Ft. Myers newspaper took us aside afterwards to take our photo for their Sunday edition. I held my trophy in the air. Terry and Rich cheered from the sidelines.”
Trey laughed. “Congratulations once more. I already told you your island knows how to celebrate. Now that you’re a big media star, will you ever visit me again?”
“You know I will, but there’s more. We had a reception afterwards inside the hall with finger sandwiches, salads, and all kinds of chips, crackers, cheeses, and homemade dips. Everyone thought we were finished eating until they wheeled out a huge red and white cake decorated with a candy cane made of frosting on top. Oh, my gosh! It was so good. I can still taste it. Lucky I had few cookies for Sam in my pocket so he wouldn’t feel left out. The three winners had our photo taken together in front of the cake for the town’s website before it was cut. Terry and Rich held onto Sam. Good thing I wore a nice dress. After all the celebrating finished, so many islanders came over to congratulate us. I’ve never experienced anything like it. Terry and Rich were so happy I was the one receiving all of the attention and Sam loved all the petting he received as well.”
Trey chuckled. “You are a big media star!”
I laughed. “I guess, especially since the mayor came over to inform me that a reporter from our local TV channel wanted to come to my house tonight and interview me while the lights were lit. Of course I said ‘Yes’. The TV reporter is coming right after five thirty this evening. I asked Rich and Terry to come and participate as well. So this media star will have to visit you in the middle of the afternoon today. I hope that fits in with your test schedule? Wish I had a piece of that candy cane cake to bring you. I’m letting you know ahead of time. No tempting with meatloaf.”
I heard Trey laugh harder this time. “This afternoon will be great. I love to see you anytime, besides tonight they’re having spaghetti and meatballs.”
I was quick to respond. “No tempting with that either. I’ll have to do something with my hair for TV but even so Sam and I will leave soon hoping to get to you around one thirty. We’ll have to leave by three thirty because of all the traffic.”
Trey responded, “You, my fair lady, are on. Oh and please bring some more of those chocolatey kisses. I can’t wait.”
Our call ended, I brushed my hair and put it up in a French bun with my mother’s beautiful antique hair clip she brought back from Paris. For a hippie, she sure had classy taste. I already had on a cranberry dress for the ceremony so I’ll touch up my hair’s loose ends and my make-up after I get home from visiting Trey. Sam did his business and hopped into my back seat. We were ready to visit Trey.
After we arrived, Skip greeted us and hugged Sam. He went into his top drawer and took out a cellophane wrapped frosted dog bone. “Buddy, this is for you. You are my favorite visiting dog.” Sam just loved it, but I took it to show Trey. “Skip, thank you. That’s so sweet. I’m going to show this to Mr. M. before Sam enjoys it.”
We both pranced down to Trey’s room. Sitting in the recliner, he greeted us with open arms. Sam tugged at his leash so I let him go running right into Trey’s arms. After getting licked to pieces, he took one look at me and wolf whistled.
“You look beautiful in that dress. Cranberry is your color and your hair looks great. I guess I’ve never seen you this dressed up. You should do it more often. When I get out of here, I’m going to take you to the fanciest restaurants I know and give you more reasons to dress up.”
I grinned. “Now don’t get too cocky. I’m happy with a burger and fries or conch fritters. Odd, you have no tests today?”
“I lucked out. They were all scheduled for early this morning.”
I held up Sam’s new cookie. “Skip bought this for him. Sam’s been so good I’m going to give it to him now.” Since I had Sam’s undivided attention, I opened the wrapping and gave him the treat. Drool dripped down both side of his jowls.
“He’s a lucky dog. After all this excitement with you, life with me will seem boring,” Trey said holding his arms out this time for me. I closed the door leaving it open just a crack and sat next to him on the arm of the chair. I leaned in and gave him a “hello” kiss. “He loves you so much he could never be bored.”
He smiled. “Your kisses make my heart race a mile a minute.” He winked. “Take it easy on me I have physical therapy first thing tomorrow morning, but I don’t care so how about another kiss?”
I was more than happy to oblige. I placed my big bag on the floor next to my chair. Sam was too busy with Skip’s treat to put his nose inside of it. Trey looked at him, so content chewing.
“Sam is celebrating his new stardom along with yours. That’s a pretty big treat. Think it’ll spoil his dinner?”
“Doubt it,” I replied. “He eats like a horse. I try to keep his food and treats to a moderate level so he doesn’t gain any weight, but today he gets to celebrate first class.”
I pulled out two holiday chocolate kisses from my purse. “And we do too. Now Red or Green?” I asked Trey.
“Red of course,” he responded as I handed him the right color foil wrapper. “Ready. One. Two. Three. Unwrap.”
He gently tugged on my arm to interfere with my progress before pulling me over to him. He had his chocolate unwrapped and in his mouth before giving me a deep kiss. Deep enough, so I could taste the dark melted chocolate. Our kiss lasted for quite a while until Sam got up wanting to get in the act and licked the sides of our faces.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re a snake?” I asked.
“As a divorce attorney, I believe I’ve heard the phase once or twice from the opposition. Besides, always bet on red. It’s a hot fast color, Green is calm and cool.”
I opened my chocolate and put it in my mouth before instigating our next hot kiss. I could get used to this. When our lips parted, Trey squeezed my shoulder. “You are the sweetest and cutest media star I know. When will they air this interview? I’d love to see it.”
I was happy to respond. “Tonight on the eleven o’clock local news and they will feature us as their lead holiday story tomorrow on the five, six, and eleven o’clock news. Fret not, I’ll still visit tomorrow. You are stuck with me. I’ll record the interviews, providing I look good and sound coherent.”
Trey smiled. “I was hoping you’d visit tomorrow night. I have something extra special planned for us so please record your interview. I can’t wait to watch it.”
Extra special? What now? I wondered as he continued. “I want you to have dinner with me. Before you say ‘no’, let me assure you that it won’t be meatloaf or tuna casserole. I received approval from my dietician to order dinner from The Island Steak House so I did and ordered appetizers, salad, and dinner. The only complication is we have to eat at five in order to keep my meds and tests on schedule.”
I was flabbergasted. “The Island Steak House? That’s always been a bit above my budget. Sounds great. What can I bring?”
He looked at me with a sweet softness in his eyes. “You and Sam are my guests. The Steakhouse even makes special doggie bags, but you can get dressed up like you are now. You look stunning.”
I blushed. Couldn’t help it. Jake never noticed things like that. “I can do that,” I answered. “It’s a date. Wow! Almost a real one. We’ll be here by four-thirty.” I kissed his forehead before getting Sam’s leash ready to leave and do my interview.
Sam and I arrived home about an hour before my big media debut. Surprise, Terry and Rich cheered us from my front porch as we drove in. “We came over to make sure your display was perfect for TV.”
I raced inside and gave Sam dinner before going to my room to fix my make-up and hair. All that kissing can do a number on a lady’s appearance. I looked in my dresser mirror. “You look stunning” echoed in my mind. So far, I have been careful not to fall in love with Trey. What woman wouldn’t fall for him? He’s handsome, sensitive, intelligent, and has gorgeous blue eyes. The sensitive and handsome parts appealed to me the most. I fell for Sam at first bark. I know it’s going to be tough if I have to say goodbye to them. Back to my hair and make-up as I redid my up do and placed that beautiful comb on the side of my hair that would show best on TV. By the time I went back to my kitchen, Terry had walked Sam, groomed him for TV, and put his jingle bells back on. “You both are going to hit this interview out of the park.”
